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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Ready for New ePassport: Billy Bishop Honoured in New Passports

Toronto, ON (October 26, 2012) – Starting in spring 2013, new Canadian passports will feature electronic chip technology that will be accepted at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

The chip in the new electronic passport (ePassport), which will contain the same personal information found on page two of Canadian passports, adds an extra layer of security. This enhancement will make the ePassport more secure than its predecessor.

“We applaud the government in launching this initiative. It will protect passport holders’ information and make travelling through Billy Bishop Airport as an international gateway even more secure for our customers,” says Toronto Port Authority President and CEO Geoffrey Wilson.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is equipped with technology that can read the new ePassport and is ready for the ePassports when they are issued next year.

In addition to the ePassport’s enhanced security features, the new passport will feature a watermark of William Avery “Billy” Bishop.

“Our family is honoured that Canada’s new passport features Billy Bishop and commemorates his role in Canadian History. It is particularly fitting that, as Canadians travel the world, especially by air, BiIly Bishop will be right there with them in their passports” says Flight Lt. (Ret’d) Arthur Bishop.

Bishop, after whom the airport is named, was Canada’s top fighter pilot in World War One and is credited with 72 victories during the war. He received several awards including the Victoria Cross, Military Cross and Distinguished Service Order for his heroism.

The Toronto Port Authority (TPA) owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the Port of Toronto (Terminals 51 and 52), and Toronto's Outer Harbour Marina. In addition to moving nearly two million passengers through the airport this year, the Port Authority provides transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses at the Port, and owns and operates Toronto’s largest freshwater marina. The Toronto Port Authority was incorporated on June 8, 1999 as a government business under the Canada Marine Act as the successor to the Toronto Harbour Commissioners.